TETANUS
- Caused by Clostridium Tetani, GM+ rod, obl. anaerobe,
"terminal spore-forming"
- Incubation period 24h-100days
- Produces a neurotoxin ("tetanospasmin") which
travels along perineural sheath and affects ant. horn
cells
- Signs: begins with nonspecific febrile illness, myalgia,
malaise; later, get trismus, convulsions (often deadly)
after about 72h
- Diff: meningitis, status epilepticus, strychnine
poisoning
- Back musc. tetany can cause vertebral fxx. and secondary
SC damage; asp. pneumonia can occur
- Tx: PCN, expose wound to AIR; keep pt in DARK, QUIET
room, give TPN if nec.; IV VALIUM